Melbourne Heart FC’s World Cup Socceroo Michael Beauchamp feels its time his side returned to the winners list ahead of the side’s clash against Gold Coast United today.
Melbourne Heart FC-s World Cup Socceroo Michael Beauchamp feels its time his side returned to the winners list ahead of the side-s clash against Gold Coast United today.
Following a stellar early-November run which saw Heart net seven points from a possible nine in three successive away trips, the side has stumbled as of late, failing to secure a win since its trip north to Townsville.
But armed with a solid week of preparation, Beauchamp believes Heart is ready to clinch a victory this weekend as the Club approaches a potentially defining period with matches against Newcastle and cross-town rivals Victory to come.
The taxing six-day stretch marks the end of a tough five weeks of football for Heart, who have travelled to Perth, Wellington, Port Macquarie, Townsville and now the Gold Coast in a short period of time.
And with the chasing pack closing fast on the top six, Beauchamp said it-s more crucial than ever that Heart claims victory on the road.
“We-ve got to start getting the three points. One point nowadays is not really enough when you-ve got teams coming up,” he said.
Beauchamp cited Sydney FC as one of the teams to watch in the second half of the season, as a finals berth comes into rivals sights.
“Sydney are only one point out of the top six now so each week is going to come down to the wire and there is going to be a lot of chop and changing throughout the table. It will definitely come down to the last game I feel,” he said.
While Beauchamp acknowledges the importance of finding the back of the net, the 22-time international said it is imperative Heart is able to maintain a clean sheet.
“We-ve got to score goals but we also have to keep them out. Our basic theory is to keep the goals out first and then the goals will come. Hopefully we can start that on Sunday. We will focus on Gold Coast and go from there,” he said.
